Good Health
By Cammy Dennis [cammy@ocalasgoodlife.com]
Champions Of Active Aging
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Photo Courtesy Cammy Dennis
hampions of active aging” is not a term I can take credit for, but the concept is one that has galvanized my mission to help change societal views of aging after I adopted the idea from the International Council on Active Aging. I have learned a great deal from this organization, whose philosophy is “the conviction that people can significantly improve the quality of their later years L-R: Kitti Surette, Barbara Day, Sue Lassiter, Sandra Sierra, by staying active and fully engaged in life.” John Paquet, Denise Paquet, Maureen McCabe Colin Milner, CEO of ICAA, ascertains that we need to “get over the idea that older adults are bro“I don’t see age in my students, I see capabilities,” she ken versions of younger adults.” Experts agree the says. “The reward from helping others improve their lives is key to living a productive, engaged life is to remain active. astounding.” The science is simple—a body in motion stays stronger. Sandra Sierra and Kitti Surrette are seasoned instructors, I know many older adults who teach and live by this with many years of experience in their respective disciplines. philosophy. These “active aging champions” (all between Sandra took up yoga when her boys were little as means of 60-78) are certified managing stress and she has maintained this practice for over fitness instructors and 20 years. Kitti entered the fitness world after working as a personal trainers who professional dancer. teach Zumba, dance “I encourage having fun because that is what keeps aerobics, strength people coming back,” says Kitti. “The social connections that training, spinning, form in fitness classes are just as important as the physical TRX, aqua aerobics, activity. and/or yoga at several “There is no better feeling than getting people movfitness facilities here in the Ocala community. ing and smiling,” she adds. “Everyone leaves feeling great, “I feel like the En- including me!” John and Denise Paquet both found their way into fitergizer Bunny—I just keep going and going,” ness for personal health reasons. Denise wanted to quit smoknotes Barbara Day, 78, ing and John was overweight and consumed with stress from his job. They both found a passion for fitness in the process. an aqua aerobics in“Fitness is my ‘happy hour,’” Denise describes. “It prostructor. “I got hooked vides many health benefits for me and my students.” on water fitness 42 Although deconditioned at the start of his journey, John years ago and have notes “my first day at the gym I was overwhelmed,” John never stopped.” remembers, “but I jumped into a fitness class and loved it I firmly believe that the ability to thrive in later years is from day one. It can be hard to take the first steps, but once dependent on some very important factors, including the strength in your body, the health of your brain, and the hap- you do you will look back and wonder, ‘Why didn’t I do this earlier?’ Oh, and the instructor of that first fitness class... I piness in your heart. married her!” Sue Lassiter started her “encore career” as a Certified Fitness Instructor at 66. She was newly retired when she Cammy Dennis is the fitness director for On Top of the World comdecided to get her fitness certification so she could share her munities and The Ranch Fitness Center & Spa. She lives the lifestyle passion for staying healthy with others. She loves teaching she promotes and has trained for triathlons throughout the state, aqua aerobics and thinks the water is a wonderful environaerobics while living in Tokyo, and various weightlifting events. ment for exercise.
The ability to thrive in later years is dependent on the strength in your body, the health of your brain, and the happiness in your heart.
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OCALA’S GOOD LIFE retirement redefined
